Pray with Confidence

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what asked of Him. I John 5:13-15

Salvation through Christ carries with it a guaranteed future in Heaven and a wonderful life while on earth. Some people hope that they will receive eternal life. John says we can know we have it. Our certainty is based on God's promise that He has given us eternal life through His Son. This is true whether you feel close to God or far away from Him. Eternal life is not based on feelings, but on facts. You can know that you have eternal life if you simply believe God's truth. We are saved by faith. God hears you; God loves you unconditionally regardless of how you feel about it. We have to oftentimes work hard at being less emotional-minded and more spiritual-minded. The emphasis in verses 14-15 is on God's will, not our will. When we communicate with God, we don't demand what we want; rather we discuss with Him what He wants for us. If we align our prayers to His will, He will listen; and we can be certain that if He listens, He will give us a definite answer. Start praying with confidence! I pray that God's Grace abounds in your life today. God Bless you, J.H.

The Presence of God

If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:9-11

What a wonderful promise! Living with God, and for God, has a lot of built-in benefits that we can't afford to be without. "My presence shall go with you . . . " The question is: how do we remain in God's presence? By acknowledging Him in all your ways; to "pray without ceasing." Paul did not suppose that we should be on our knees in prayer 12 hours a day, but that we simply acknowledge God's presence by talking with Him wherever we are and whatever we are going through. Sometimes, the simplest of prayers are all that is required to acknowledge God's presence and continue to walk in the Spirit. He wants to be invited by you to be a part of every aspect of your life, not just when it is convenient for you; at work, at home, with family and friends, when things are going well. It is easy to remember God when things are going lousy and we need to ask for God's help and guidance. Are we also remembering to thank Him when we wake up in the morning or when we finish a busy, productive day? Are we recognizing His sovereign hand in the tiny details of our lives? Or do we somehow assume that we are doing all of what we accomplish under our own power? God is faithful. I pray the touch of Almighty God in your life today. God Bless you, J.H

Joy

I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices, my body also will rest secure. Psalm 16:8-9
No matter how things look, keep your eyes on the Lord. He can bring miracles out of mistakes. David's heart was glad - he had found the secret to joy. True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God's presence within us. As we comtemplate his daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future He has for us, we will experience joy. Don't base your life today on circumstance, but on God. May the Lord increase your faith today. God Bless you, J.H.

Taste and See

Taste and see that the Lord is good, Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8
"Taste and see" does not mean "Check out God's credentials." Instead, it is a warm invitation. "Try this; I know you will like it." When we take that first step of faith and obedience in following God, we cannot help discovering that He is good and kind. When we begin the Christian life, our knowledge of God is partial and incomplete. As we turn to Him and trust Him daily, we begin to experience how truly good He is. Knowledge of God and experiencing God's Presence are two wholly different things. Many Christians have wonderful knowledge about God, as did the Pharisees of Jesus' time. But they have not trusted God fully, and therefore, have not experienced His true Goodness. I pray that you trust Him today. Begin to taste and see that God is Good. God Bless you, J.H.

God's Promise

He will bless those who fear the Lord - both small and great. The Lord shall increases you more and more, you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 115:13-15
What a promise! Claim it! The Lord is not slack concerning His promises. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." There are many times when we feel isolated, alone, and abandoned, even by God. In reality, He sees, understands, and thinks about us. When depressed by problems or struggling with self-worth, be encouraged that God keeps you in His thoughts. And as He thinks about you, His help is there before you need it. All we need to do is recognize His power and providence in our lives. I pray that you seek Him today with all your heart. God Bless you, J.H